Learn to sew vintage-style garments and make a day dress complete with 1950's-era details. Vintage sewing expert Laura Nash guides you through pattern preparation and personalized bust and length alterations. Laura will be there every step of the way as you construct your timeless bodice with a lining, gathered sleeves and a contrasting trim. Then, sew your flared skirt with patch pockets, and gather it into your bodice before adding a waist stay and lapped zipper. Hand-finish your skirt in retro fashion by easing in the wide circle skirt hem in one simple step. As a bonus, you'll learn to create a custom petticoat that gives your skirt perfect vintage flair.

Lesson 6. Lapped Zipper

Lesson 7. Sleeves & Hem

Work on your sleeves and hem using a variety of techniques, including attaching hem tape and the modified blanket stitch.

26:39

Lesson 8. Making a Petticoat

Create a fabulous petticoat for your dress without using any pattern at all! Learn about adding multiple ruffles and how to construct a petticoat that will add a little flair to your dress.

"I really enjoyed watching this instructor taking the time to explain what she is doing and why. It is one thing just to read instructions but being able to do the steps along with the instructor really gives clarity to some of the trickier steps. I also like the fact that you do all the prep work at the very beginning which helps putting the dress together faster. Highly recommend this class and this instructor," - Cindi Klemm

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Lesson plan

3:55

Lesson 1. Meet Laura Nash

Meet Laura and start to think about fabric choices for your Tia dress.

28:22

Lesson 2. Pattern Prep

Learn how to prepare your pattern by choosing a size, adjusting the bust and adjusting the length to tailor your dress perfectly.

26:23

Lesson 3. Cutting

Get started on your vintage dress with cutting, pinning and marking your fabric. Then work on checking the bodice fit.

50:39

Lesson 4. Preassembly & Bodice

Start to pre-assemble your dress and begin to sew your bodice. Sew the patch pocket and the yoke, along with the bodice trim.

51:43

Lesson 5. Bodice Finishing & Skirt

Finish your bodice and start sewing your skirt! Sew the side seams, secure the waist and create a waist stay to ensure long lasting comfort.

Lesson 6. Lapped Zipper

Lesson 7. Sleeves & Hem

Work on your sleeves and hem using a variety of techniques, including attaching hem tape and the modified blanket stitch.

26:39

Lesson 8. Making a Petticoat

Create a fabulous petticoat for your dress without using any pattern at all! Learn about adding multiple ruffles and how to construct a petticoat that will add a little flair to your dress.

The instructor

Laura Nash, Instructor of Sewing Vintage: The Flirty Day Dress

Laura Nash began sewing professionally for high-end stores and private clients as a young mother. When her children were all old enough to be in school, she began a degree in apparel design. Throughout college, Laura designed vintage-inspired gowns, and showed her garments at professional fashion shows all over the U.S. After finishing her degree, Laura started Sew Chic Pattern Company, where she creates gorgeous vintage patterns for wonderfully wearable garments. You'll love Laura's wealth of sewing wisdom and approachable teaching style.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(17 reviews)

Amazing Class!

by melodyrobinson on February 11, 2015

I can't even begin to say how much I loved this class... I can't think of anything I did not like. Laura is an amazing teacher, very easy to understand and informative. The pattern is easy to use and I love the style! It turned out looking even nicer on me than I expected. I highly recommend this class!

I can't even begin to say how much I loved this class... I can't think of anything I did not like. Laura is an amazing teacher, very easy to understand and informative. The pattern is easy to use and I love the style! It turned out looking even nicer on me than I expected. I highly recommend this class!

Love It!

by Annette Warbus on December 29, 2014

Great instructions. I am enjoying what I have seen so far. I have just received my pattern in the mail. It took about a week to get the pattern. I look forward to getting started. Most importantly the camera work is done pretty well.

Great instructions. I am enjoying what I have seen so far. I have just received my pattern in the mail. It took about a week to get the pattern. I look forward to getting started. Most importantly the camera work is done pretty well.

Sewing Vintage Rocks!

by Victoria H on November 21, 2014

I finished my dress last night and I couldn't be happier with it! I had not made a dress for many years and I couldn't have done it without going through this class.Laura is an excellent teacher and included much more information than I expected. I had just ordered a vintage Pin It Hem tool that she demonstrated. I hope that Craftsy will invite Laura to teach another class because I definitely will take it.Thank you, Craftsy, for what you are doing, I am enjoying your classes ...

I finished my dress last night and I couldn't be happier with it! I had not made a dress for many years and I couldn't have done it without going through this class.Laura is an excellent teacher and included much more information than I expected. I had just ordered a vintage Pin It Hem tool that she demonstrated. I hope that Craftsy will invite Laura to teach another class because I definitely will take it.Thank you, Craftsy, for what you are doing, I am enjoying your classes very much. If I can make this dress, then I believe anyone can with Laura's help!

Laura Renewed My Interest In Retro Clothes!

Very good clear instructions. I initially subscribed to the class for sewing techniques and I was surprised at the level of detail exhibited and how well Laura demonstrated her sewing skills.

I loved this dress so much that I immediately went online and ordered some retro dress patterns. Can't wait for the delivery!

I appreciate the fact that Craftsy has provided many different points of view and it is a privilege to have access to all these professionals who have worked ...

Very good clear instructions. I initially subscribed to the class for sewing techniques and I was surprised at the level of detail exhibited and how well Laura demonstrated her sewing skills.

I loved this dress so much that I immediately went online and ordered some retro dress patterns. Can't wait for the delivery!

I appreciate the fact that Craftsy has provided many different points of view and it is a privilege to have access to all these professionals who have worked in the industry over the years. We, who subscribe to these classes are able to take what we need from them. I will surely be combining the various tips that I learned to produce some fabulous clothes.

Included with this class:

The Tia Dress Pattern by Sew Chic

This dress has it all: fitted, full, fun and flirty! The close fitting and fully lined bodice has princess seams over the bust, zipper side closure, separate midriff and shoulder and gathered cap sleeve. The flared skirt, gathered at the waist, provides a beautiful feminine silhouette. The contrast trim on bodice, hem, and patch pockets are taken from purchased bias binding, and can really play up the colors in your fashion fabric.

Price: $0.00 (included with purchase), Retail: $18.95

SIZE

2

4

6

8

10

Bust

32in (81cm)

33in (84cm)

34in (86cm)

35in (89cm)

36 1/2in (93cm)

Waist

25in (64cm)

26in (66cm)

27in (69cm)

28in (71cm)

29 1/2in (75cm)

Hip

35n (89cm)

36in (91cm)

37in (94cm)

38in (97cm)

39 1/2in (100cm)

SIZE

12

14

16

18

Bust

38in (97cm)

40in (102cm)

42in (107cm)

45in (114cm)

Waist

31in (79cm)

33in (84cm)

35in (89cm)

38in (97cm)

Hip

41n (104cm)

43in (109cm)

45in (114cm)

48in (122cm)

This pattern will be shipped directly to you by the Sew Chic Pattern Company. Please allow 14 business days for U.S. shipments (please allow extra time for international shipments).